Today’s executive assistants and administrative assistants are empowered to make decisions, lead teams, facilitate peer training, be a catalyst for change, and truly be a strategic business partner to management. What skills and attitudes does it take to operate at this higher level and meet the demands of the ever-changing workplace? As an administrative professional, how do you embrace these new responsibilities? How can you successfully work around barriers and roadblocks?

Confidence

Is a vital component of empowerment. How do you build your confidence? By taking on more challenging assignments; setting stretch goals; doing things that are uncomfortable like speaking in front of a group; tackling tough assignments; leaning into differences of opinion vs. hiding behind email; gaining knowledge; practicing the very things you are afraid to do; being open to feedback and self-correcting; surrounding yourself with an inner circle who will support you and call you on the carpet when necessary; experiencing wins even if they are small ones.

Courage

Is the bridge from fear to freedom. You are going to have to be courageous and break through the barriers and paradigms that are preventing you from being more successful in the workplace. Fear can prevent you from progressing in your career and in your personal life. It prevents you from opening up to experiences which could be rewarding. It hampers your receptivity as an individual. It has a way of becoming a “monster” if you let it fester because the more you think about the thing you fear doing, the worse it seems. When fear stands in the way of you becoming all you can be, learn to make it work for you, not against you.

“ Courage is resistance to fear; mastery of fear- not absence of fear.” – Mark Twain

Competence

Is the third ingredient to the formula of empowerment. A person can have courage and confidence, but not be competent. Competence is proficiency or ability in a specific skill area. What skills do assistants need to develop to project empowerment and to feel empowered?

Confident communications

Decision making

Risk taking

Persuasion

Conflict management

Emotional intelligence

Leadership

Executive presence

Identifying and managing fear

Our 2019 administrative conference speakers will give you the strategies to gain confidence, be courageous and develop competence in several critical skill areas as mentioned above. Our presenters, including Joan Burge, are individuals who live and embrace empowerment. They know what it takes to get there and they know what to do in times when they feel “less empowered.” One of our keynote thought leaders on empowerment, Lisa Olsen, says “Empowerment is a process; a path; a journey that develops as we work through it.”

• 16 hours of training over three days (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday)
• Conference workbook to include materials from all sessions
• Gala Event
• Welcome reception Tuesday evening
• Meals and breaks
• Keynote Presentations
• Speakers and sessions to be announced

We Focus on What Counts. Administrative Competencies. Very few administrative conferences or seminars focus specifically on the competencies necessary to be successful at adding value every day within the administrative arena. Office Dynamics International is the premier leader in the development and presentation of sophisticated training programs and information for administrative professionals. Our primary focus is about what you want and need. We understand how you think and what challenges you on the path going forward. We know the opportunities and dreams you wish to attain. Plus, we speak your language!

General Sessions. Our conference schedule brings everyone together daily for an action-packed, competency-energizing General Session, chock-full of informative training you won’t receive anywhere else! These strategic sessions are purposed, creative and designed to enhance your growth and success as an administrative professional. Plan your growth and become fulfilled by learning how to implement the principles and strategies for a meaningful career and life. At this conference, you’ll discover the path forward and how to add value every day!

Learn from the Top Administrative Expert. Joan Burge, CEO and Founder of Office Dynamics International, and the premier administrative trainer, author, coach, and consultant, will present a powerful and highly applicable General Session daily. Here’s your opportunity to hear from “the best of the best.” Joan can be counted on to definitely “tell it like it is” — you won’t want to miss it. Known for her passionate and dynamic speaking style, Joan’s unique experience working on both sides of the desk has made her the one expert who can speak to the issues, questions, trends, and transitions occurring in the administrative support function.

Team Building Activity. An exciting segment at each year’s conference is Joan’s personally designed unique team building activity — created with you in mind! You’ll experience the positive energy of working with others to accomplish goals. You’ll be up, out of your seat and networking with other attendees, creating bonds that will last beyond the conference!

Joan’s Trademark Surprises. Conference alumni know that Joan always has a surprise or two waiting for her guests! It’s part of what keeps the conference experience fresh, fun and lively. So be ready for anything – and make the most of every moment.

Innovative & Trend-Setting Information. Add value every day to your organization by being purposed and energized in the strategic and creative approach to your daily work activities. Joan continually surveys the administrative profession to bring the latest trends, newest features, and best practices to stir up the administrative profession! You’ll return to work energized, motivated and inspired, knowing exactly how to add value daily for both personal and career success.

Personal Connection with Joan & ODI Team. You will experience a personal connection to Joan and her team who excel at Extraordinary Concierge Service with a big hug. Joan and her team appreciate each and every person and are eager to let you know they care— they want you to feel like part of an extended family.

Premier Organizations. You Are in Great Company! Some of the brightest and best administrative professionals attend our conference. They are people of power and influence in their profession and organization. They represent an array of industries and both large and small businesses, including attendees from Amway, Boeing, Caterpillar, Chevron, Cisco Systems, City of Lancaster, ConAgra Foods, DRW Trading Group, Enbridge, FDA, Humana, Kindred Healthcare, Nationwide, Sandia National Labs, Siemens Energy, National Security Technologies, Procter & Gamble, Roche Diagnostics, US Army and Washington Education Association.